Waggaman Development Group celebrates Christmas

Waggaman Development Group held its annual Christmas celebration on Dec. 12. Among the guests were leaders and members of both civic organizations: S-1 Civic Group and Waggaman Civic Association.

Charles Darcey, Shirley Powers and Irby "Jack" Plunkett enjoyed the Christmas party given by Waggaman Development Group on Dec. 12. Darcey and Plunkett each won a lovely poinsettia center piece.

There were also a number of special guests, including state Rep. Robert Billiot, Councilman Mark Spears, Casey Jumpiere, Jim Ward and Vic Culpepper.

This was the first year that the event was held in the parish hall of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church. Keith Kiraly, president of the S-1 Civic Group said, “We thought it was a good idea to rent the hall and pump some money into the church.”

The hall was beautifully decorated by Gwen Buras, Egypt Phillip, Sabrina Phillip and Sheila Sparacio. These women worked virtually nonstop for two days, perfecting every detail of the decorations, and the results were impressive.

Upon entering the hall, each guest was given a ticket – a chance to take home one of the poinsettia center pieces at the end of the night.

There was a cart filled with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry Roman Candy along with the history of this New Orleans treat. This was a great conversation starter; guests spoke about everything from their favorite flavor to the mule that pulls the candy cart. Interestingly, the difference between mules and donkeys seemed to be a big topic of discussion.

Whitney and Linda Clement had their names drawn as the winners of Waggman's third annual Curb Appeal Contest at the Christmas party given by Waggaman Development Group. They will receive a $5,000 front yard makeover.

Roman Candy is one of those things that make New Orleans special. It was one of the highlights of the party for many. (Recently, my husband and I were driving in a procession from a wedding to a reception when we saw the Roman Candy man. My husband is not from Louisiana, but he has learned that when you see the Roman Candy man you should stop the car. We quickly made a purchase and proceeded to the reception.)

There was a small scroll wrapped around each piece of taffy wishing residents happy holidays from the Waggaman Development Group and extending a special thanks to River Birch.

The scroll listed the following projects accomplished through River Birch’s generosity in 2012: Annual Curb Appeal Contest, Nursery Furniture for First Baptist Church, New Kitchen Equipment for O.L.O.A. Church Hall, Donation to CCD Program at O.L.O.A. Church, TJ Park Median Maintenance, Paint Back Stops at TJ Park, Subdivision Sign for Floral Acres II, Landscape Median at Sweetpea and River Road, Glenn Camardelle Memorial Sign at Playground, New Playground Sign for River Road, Wreath Donated to “Christmas in the Oaks” at City Park, Donation to Firemen’s Christmas Parade. In addition, the scroll listed these events which were sponsored by the development group: Easter Egg Hunt, Big Dog Tournament, Fire Prevention Week and Night Out Against Crime.

Guests spent the evening enjoying the food and beverages, music and dance floor, and the company of their neighbors and good friends.

There was a special presentation to the Rev. Dennis J. Hayes III of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church and the Rev. Frank Romero of the First Baptist Church of Waggaman to thank them for their service to residents.

The drawing for the third annual Curb Appeal Contest was held during the party. The winners are Whitney and Linda Clement. They will receive a $5,000 front yard makeover, and two nearby residents will each receive a $1,000 front yard makeover.

The Clements have been members of the S-1 group for five years and were excited when their names were announced as the contest winners. Clement said they were planning to begin a front yard makeover project next year at their home on North Daryl; her husband had a smile ear to ear and said, “It’s less I have to do. It’s a lot less I have to do.”

Sandra Smith is a Waggaman resident who writes about people and events of community interest. She can be reached at waggamannews@yahoo.com or 504.343.6916.